Stabilized prosthetic knee

ABSTRACT

A semiconstrained prosthetic knee for surgical replacement of a dysfunctional knee includes a tibial platform, a movable bearing element, and a femoral component. The femoral component includes a polycentric convex bearing which slidably engages a movable bearing. The superior surface of the bearing element is designed to congruently slidably engage the inferior surface of the bearing portion of the femoral component throughout the flexion/extension range of the knee. The superior surface of the tibial platform is generally flat and includes at least one protrusion for controlling the movement of the bearing element. A stabilized prosthetic knee also includes a posterior stabilization member and may further include an anterior stabilization member upon the bearing element. The femoral component and the bearing element articulate in at least two radii of curvature and are also provided with an additional articulation surface and a complementary bearing surface. A stabilized prosthetic knee also includes a posterior stabilization member and may further include an anterior stabilization member upon the bearing element. The femoral component and the bearing element articulate in at least two radii of curvature and are also provided with an additional articulation surface and a complementary bearing surface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 07/976,803,entitled Improved Floating Bearing Prosthetic Knee, filed Nov. 16, 1992now U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,240.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to prosthetic joints generally, and moreparticularly to an improved, unconstrained prosthetic knee replacementfor a dysfunctional knee.

2. Prior Art

Referring now to prior art knee endoprostheses, there are basically twotypes of prosthetic replacement knees known generally as constrained andunconstrained knees. An example of an unconstrained or floating meniscalbearing knee is disclosed in Buechel et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,978. Anembodiment of the Buechel invention is manufactured and sold by Depuy,Inc. of Warsaw, Ind. Preferably, the bearing elements of these types ofknees are manufactured with high density polyethylene such as thatdisclosed in Zachariades U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,163 developed by PoltecoInc. of Alameda, Calif. because of its superior wear resistantcharacteristics.

Referring next to typical prior art tibial-femoral knee prostheses,prostheses which allow axial rotation and A-P motion in addition toflexion-extension motion have incongruent contact (usually theoreticalpoint-contact) between the femoral and tibial bearing surfaces, havebeen known. Those prior art knee prostheses which do provide congruentor area bearing contact fail to provide the needed axial rotation, orwhen cruciates are present the needed anterior-posterior motion.

Preexisting constrained knees have often resulted in early failure as aresult of hinge constrainment. The degree of rotation was limited toeither only one plane or a very small arc. Also, as shown in U.S. Pat.No. 4,219,893, very little flexibility was possible in the shape of thepatello-femoral interfaces because of the requirement to maintaincongruent patello-femoral contact over the range of motion of the knee.As a result, patello-femoral tracking problems became commonplace.

It was necessary to use a large circumference when used to resurfaceallografts resulting in problems with soft tissue necrosis and/orpatello-femoral tracking problems as described above. Furthermore, mostimplants were known as custom devices since they had to be speciallymade to fit a particular patient's size and thus required excessmanufacturing time and unnecessary delays.

An additional, significant problem with prior art constrained kneesresults from the fact that the range of motion prevents the normal A-Pmovement of the inferior end of the femur relative to the posterior endof the tibia. This "sliding" movement is necessary in order to maintainthe full range of motion desired in a prosthetic device.

Current prostheses of the dislocatable cruciate retaining type, such asthe Geomedic knee replacement shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,728,742 toAverill et al, that produce area contact provide only one axis ofrotation relative to the femur for the flexion-extension motion. Normalflexion-extension is, however, characterized by a polycentricflexion-extension motion where rotation relative to the femur occursabout many axes.

This polycentric motion, which results from the action of the cruciateligaments and condylar shape, allows for more efficient utilization ofmuscle forces by providing a posterior shift of the axis when effectivequadriceps action is important and an anterior shift when hamstringseffectiveness is important. Furthermore, in the human knee it is thisaction and the A-P shift, and the shape of the posterior condyles, whichinfluence this motion so as to allow full flexion capability for theknee. Failure to provide appropriate knee geometry inhibits, whencruciate ligaments are present, this natural motion and thus tends torestrict muscle effectiveness and inhibit flexion. These restrictionstend to increase both loading on the prosthesis and loading betweenprosthesis and bone.

Another problem exists with regard to knee endoprostheses forimplantation in those cases wherein the cruciate ligaments arefunctionally absent but where the collateral ligaments are functional orat least reconstructible. In the absence of cruciate ligaments, theprosthetic replacement must provide anterior-posterior knee jointstability so as to replace that stability otherwise provided by thecruciates. Until recently most such cases were treated by a constrainedtype knee prosthesis.

Where the cruciate ligaments are present, most surgeons would prefertheir retention, since they provide important internal stabilizers and,together with the condylar geometry of the femur and tibia, control therotation axis and A-P motion of the knee. Furthermore, these ligamentsprovide anterior-posterior stability. Thus, it is desirable to reservethe cruciate ligaments, even though reasonable stability can be providedby a properly designed full platform type prosthesis.

In addition, the action of the cruciate ligaments produces a shift inthe rotation axis of the knee which results in more efficient muscleutilization. Thus, preservation of these structures provides betterphysiological function after knee replacement.

It is not, however, clear that the physiological advantages gained inretaining the cruciates outweigh the disadvantages of the designcompromises, such as increased bearing surface incongruency and reducedtibial prosthesis bearing area, required to retain these ligaments.Thus, the desirability of retaining the cruciate ligaments in the casesof unconstrained knee replacement is not well established.

A recent unconstrained knee concept, the New Jersey knee, appears toprovide a partial solution to the problem of overconstraint whileattempting to maintain congruency by the use of meniscal floatingelements. Unfortunately, this knee suffers from several design problemswhich appear to limit its usefulness.

The present invention, the Pottenger/Draganich Knee utilizes newconcepts combined in an improved design in order to avoid some of theanticipated difficulties of the prior art design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved prosthesis for thereplacement of all or a portion of a dysfunctional human knee joint.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improvedsemiconstrained knee prosthesis with a novel polycentric femoralcomponent having different radii of curvature in different sagittalsections.

An object of the present invention is to provide a knee prosthesis whichfacilitates rotation about one or more axes in the presence ofcongruency of the bearing surfaces.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kneeprosthesis which substantially reduces the possibility of tipping and/ordislocation of the bearing insert or inserts in the absence of theanterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kneeprosthesis which allows full flexion of the reconstructed knee withoutapplying shear forces.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kneeprosthesis where the tibiofemoral area contact controls the movement ofthe femoral component and thus increases quadriceps effectiveness.

An object of the present invention is to provide a knee prosthesis inwhich A-P sliding of the bearing element with knee flexion allows thenormal anatomical shift in the center of the area of contact betweenfemoral and tibial condyles.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kneeprosthesis with improved medial-lateral stability, substantiallyunaffected by axial rotation or anterior-posterior (A-P) shift of thebearing element.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kneeprosthesis which includes constraints at the limits of normal motion tocompensate for missing cruciate ligaments and prevent dislocation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide asemiconstrained knee prosthesis where the femoral component mayarticulate in extremely close proximity with the tibia to eliminatepatella baha problems.

In accordance with the foregoing and other objects, the unconstrainedprosthetic knee of the present invention includes a femoral prosthesishaving a pair of condylar portions, each having, preferably twosagittally spaced arcuate segments of different radii, a tibialprosthesis having a bearing surface for supporting weight, and anintermediate load-bearing member having a thrust-bearing surface formatingly engaging the bearing surface of the tibial prosthesis andadapted to distribute weight and to transmit forces in a planesubstantially perpendicular to the axis of the tibia and a mutuallycongruent superior surface for engaging the condyles of the femoralprosthesis to provide area contact throughout the full range offlexion/extension of the knee.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kneeprosthesis that is stabilized in its anterior and/or posterior movementthroughout a substantial range of flexion.

In accordance with the foregoing and other objects, the stabilizedprosthetic knee of the present invention includes a posteriorstabilization member and may further include an anterior stabilizationmember upon an intermediate bearing member. A femoral componentarticulates in at least two radii of curvature with the bearing member.The bearing element rotates with respect to a tibial component, and theposterior and anterior stabilization members inhibit disarticulationbetween the bearing element and a first bearing surface of the femoralcomponent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the invention may be obtained from thedetailed description which follows, together with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the unconstrainedprosthetic knee of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tibial component andbearing element of the prosthetic knee of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 3--3 of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 4--4 of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 5--5 of FIG.1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the bearing element made in accordance withthe present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the bearing element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the bearing element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the bearing element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the bearing element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 11--11 ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 12--12 ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is another vertical section taken generally along the line13--13 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of the assembled bearingelement and tibia portion showing the bearing element in its forwardmostposition;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 14 showing thebearing element in its rearwardmost position;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the femoral component on a reduced scale;

FIG. 17 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 17--17 ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the prosthesis assembly of FIG. 1implanted within a patient;

FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view of the prosthesis assembly of FIG. 1implanted within a patient;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the prosthesis assembly of FIG. 1in a generally, straight extended position;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of the prosthesis assembly ofFIG. 1 with the knee shown in flexion;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the bearing element made in accordancewith the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the bearing element of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a rear elevational view of the bearing element of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view taken along the line 25--25 of FIG.22;

FIG. 26 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 26--26 ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 27--27 ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 28 is a mid-vertical section taken generally along the line 28--28of FIG. 22;

FIG. 29 is a front elevational view of the femoral component of thepreferred embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the femoral component of the preferredembodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the femoral component takengenerally along the line 31--31 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a mid-vertical section of the femoral component takengenerally along the line 32--32 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is an exploded rear elevational view of the knee of the presentinvention including a posterior stabilization member;

FIG. 34 is an exploded side cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofthe knee shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the kneeshown in FIG. 33 at 0° flexion;

FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the kneeshown in FIG. 33 at 71/2° flexion;

FIG. 37 is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the kneeshown in FIG. 33 at intermediate flexion;

FIG. 38 is an exploded side cross-sectional view of the knee of thepresent invention including a posterior stabilization member and ananterior stabilization member;

FIG. 39 is an exploded rear elevational view of the knee of the presentinvention having one version of an additional cooperating surface;

FIG. 40 is an exploded side cross-sectional view of the knee shown inFIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is an exploded rear cross-sectional view of the knee of thepresent invention having an alternate version of an additionalcooperating surface;

FIG. 42 is an exploded side cross-sectional view of the knee shown inFIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a side cross-sectional view of two portions of the knee ofthe present invention having an alternate version of engagement betweenthe bearing element and tibial prosthesis; and

FIG. 44 is a side cross-sectional view of two portions of the knee ofthe present invention without direct engagement between the bearingelement and tibial prosthesis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The prosthetic knee of the present invention is shown and describedherein with respect to two embodiments. The two embodiments differ inthe number of arcuate surfaces provided for sliding engagement betweenthe femoral component and the bearing element as described in detailhereinafter. The embodiment shown and described in FIGS. 1-21 describethe prosthetic knee design utilizing three arcuate surfaces on each ofthe condyles of the tibial component. The preferred embodiment, shown inFIGS. 22-32 utilizes only two arcuate surfaces for the improved knee asshown and described in detail herein. For convenience, the same numeralsare used to describe the same element in the respective embodiments.

The floating bearing prosthetic knee, generally designated 10 in FIG. 1,provides area contact as opposed to line contact or point contactthroughout the entire flexion/extension range of the prosthesis. Throughthis design, some degree of rollback automatically occurs as the kneeflexes and additional rollback is allowed to will occur through themovement of the sliding bearing. Area contact throughout the full rangeof motion is obtained through the use of multiple arcuate sections alongthe path of conduct of the condyles with the bearing insert. However,unlike prior art prosthetic knees of the prior art, the different radiiand arcuate portions of the condyles lie in different sagittal ormedial-lateral planes. Thus tibial-femoral area contact will occur indifferent longitudinal planes throughout the flexion/extension range ofthe knee. Area contact will occur simultaneously in two planes only atthe point of transition between the respective arcuate portions.

The desirable prosthetic knee 19 satisfies at least fivecharacteristics. One, the knee should have the normal polycentric motionof the normal knee joint. Two, unconstrained anterior-posterior motionand rotation would be permitted within the normal range of motion of theknee. Three, constrained A-P motion and rotation would occur at thelimits of normal motion. Four, normal rollback of the femur with respectto the tibia should occur during flexion of the knee. Five,tibial-femoral contact pressure should be minimized in order to reducewear on the polyethylene bearing insert 16. The present invention 10satisfies these five characteristics as described hereinafter.

MAJOR COMPONENTS

Referring now in particular to FIG. 1, the unconstrained knee, generallydesignated 10, is shown in perspective view to include a femoralcomponent 12, a tibial component 14, and a bearing element 16. Thefemoral component 12 includes at least one upwardly extending stem 18 orother means for connection to the femur and a pair of condyles 20 on itsinferior surface for engagement with the bearing portion 16. Preferably,the bearing element 16 is constructed of a tough, wear-resistant,resilient material such as high density polyethylene. The remainingelements of the prosthetic knee are metallic and preferably manufacturedof a cobalt-chromium alloy material approved for use in prostheticdevices.

THE TIBIAL COMPONENT

The tibial component includes a generally flat rigid platform 22 and adepending stem portion 24 for securing the tibial portion to the tibia.The superior surface of the femoral component and the implantable stemportion 24 and inferior surface of the platform 22 of the tibialcomponent include a surface adapted for porous ingrowth to secure theprosthetic device within the tibia and femur, respectively, of the hostor allograph bone of the patient. By contrast, the condyles 20 of thefemoral component are highly polished to reduce friction.

Referring to the lower portion of FIG. 2, the tibial portion includesthe platform 22 and the depending stem 24. The platform is provided witha pair of laterally spaced, generally triangular-shaped, upwardprotrusions 26 and a centrally located aperture 28 for limiting the A-Pmovement of the bearing 16 described below.

More particularly, referring to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the bearing 16includes a centrally located generally rectangular opening 32 which isused to slidably connect the bearing to the top of the tibial component22. The bearing 16 has a generally flat inferior surface 34 as shown inFIG. 8 which slidably engages the superior surface or platform 22. Theaperture 32 includes, at its lower end, a ridge or lip 36, of similarconfiguration. Both the aperture 32 and the vertical wall of the bearinghave smooth or rounded corners to reduce stress. The bearing 16 iscaptured by a retaining means, generally designated 40, which includes ashoulder bolt 42, a retainer 44 and a spacer 46. The spacer 46 andretainer 44 are preferably manufactured of high density polypropylene,similar to that used for the bearing insert 16 and the shoulder bolt 42would be made of stainless steel, titanium or cobalt-chromium alloyapproved for use in this application.

The shoulder bolt 42 includes a lower threaded portion 48 which engagesa plurality of threads 50 at the lowermost end of the aperture 28 withinthe stem 24 of the tibial component. The shoulder sets the depth toprevent from the head 52 of the shoulder bolt from impeding the movementof the bearing insert 16. The retainer 46 includes an enlarged diameterring 54 at its lowermost end which engages the platform 22 of the tibialportion 14 around the aperture 28 and extends upwardly coaxially withthe shoulder bolt 42.

The retainer or retaining element 44 is generally square in shape andincludes a lower square portion 56 which forms a clearance fit withinthe ridge 36 at the lower end of the aperture 32 in the bearing, as canbe seen in FIG. 5. The upper end of the retainer includes an enlargedflange 58 which engages the top of the step or lip 36. The retainer 44is dimensioned so that the distance between the underside of the head 52of the shoulder bolt and the top of the lip 36 provides a low toleranceclearance fit with the flange 58 of the retainer to allow the bearing 16to slidably move on the platform 22 without becoming disengaged from theplatform 22. In this manner, the bearing is free to slide in an anteriorposterior or A-P path. The retainer 44 will stop the movement in the A-Pdirection as the front and rear surfaces engage the front or innersurfaces of the lip 36.

The retaining means 40, in addition to permitting A-P movement of thebearing 16 also permits pivotal movement generally about the center lineof the shoulder bolt 42. Thus, depending upon the anterior or posteriordisplacement of the bearing insert 16 relative to the retainer 44, thebearing insert and the retainer may pivot about the center line of theshoulder bolt 42 to provide freedom of movement. However, in order toprevent too much pivotal movement of the bearing 16, particularly whenin its anteriormost position, the triangular protrusions 26 provide astop means.

The stop means includes the upward protrusions 26 and a pair ofsymmetrical cutouts 60 on the lower surface of the bearing insert 16. Inparticular, each cutout includes a generally flat rear wall 62 and agenerally curved inner wall 64 for engagement with the upwardprotrusions 26. As shown in FIG. 4, the height of the rear wall 62permits the cutouts 60 to clear the top of the stops 26. Referring toFIG. 14, in its anterior-most position, the arcuate walls 64 of thebearing 16 engage the inner, generally right angle corner of thetriangular protrusions 26 to virtually preclude most of the pivotal,movement or rotational movement of the bearing insert 16. As the bearing16 is moved towards its posterior-most position, as shown in FIG. 15,the bearing is free to rotate in either direction as shown by arrows Aand B and are limited by the longer upstanding walls of the protrusions26 which engage the flat walls 62 within the cutout 60.

Therefore, it can be seen that the bearing insert 16 is constrained butis permitted to move in the A-P direction from the extremes as shown inFIG. 14 to that as shown in FIG. 16 while, at the same time, it is freeto pivot about an axis defined by the shoulder bolt 24 within the limitscreated by the stop means where the walls 62 and 64 of the cutouts 60engage the triangular protrusions 26. These constraints, whilepermitting movement of the bearing 16, control the movement of thefemoral component as described hereinafter and thus create some rollbackand allow for the further posterior movement of the bearing insert.

These constraints at the limits of normal motion will compensate formissing cruciate ligaments and prevent dislocation of the components,i.e., the bearing insert, which has been seen to occur in popular priorart floating bearing prosthetic knees. In most circumstances, normalsoft tissue will provide the primary restraining forces limiting motionof the components and, if necessary, the limits incorporated into theprosthesis 10 would function as secondary restraints.

Some rollback (approximately 5 millimeters in the present embodiment)automatically occurs (i.e., is obligated to occur) when tibiofemoralcontact moves from one arcuate segment to the other one. The rest of thenormal amount of rollback is allowed to occur (but not obligated tooccur) with the movement of the bearing insert. The amount of additionalrollback that is allowed to occur is governed by the interaction of theposterior cruciate ligament and the condylar surfaces. The rollback ofthe femur with respect to the tibia during flexion of the knee is animportant characteristic of the present prosthesis because it causes thepatellar tendon to move anteriorly with respect to the femur whichgreatly increases the effectiveness of the quadriceps muscle, especiallywhen rising from a chair. It has been found that many patients who havehad total knee replacements cannot get up from a sitting positionwithout assistance from their arms. Also, prior art unconstrained kneesare frequently found to "roll forward" rather than backward duringflexion. In the design of the present invention, the shoulder boltretaining means 40 prevents roll forward and the bearing insert 16recreates the normal situation and further helps to increase thequadriceps efficiency. Known prior art total knee replacements haveattempted to utilize the femoral component to control the motion of thebearing insert, just the opposite of the knee of the present invention.

THE FEMORAL COMPONENT

The femoral component 12 of the present invention includes generally apair of condyles 20, securing posts 18 and a web portion which defines apatella track 70. The securing posts 18 provide means to secure thefemoral component to the femur of a patient. As shown in FIG. 20, a pairof matched apertures are drilled into the femur and the end of the femuris formed with five generally flat surfaces as shown to fit within theflat surfaces 72a through 72e as shown. The opposite surfaces 72a and72e are generally parallel to one another and perpendicular to thesurface 72c. The angled surfaces 72b and 72d are approximately at 45degrees with respect thereto. The entire surface of the flat surfaces72a-e and the surfaces of the posts 18 are designed for extramedullarybone growth to secure the femoral component to the end of the femur.

Certain prior art prostheses propose the use of a femoral component inwhich the multicentric surfaces of the condyles were created by a commonplanar curve which created a design whereby every sagittal section alongthe condyle was polycentric. This design results in a situation wherethe condyles can only make area contact during approximately the initial20° of knee flexion thereby resulting in line contact and very highcontact pressure which increases the wear of the bearing insert. Inaddition, prior art design of this type accommodates rollback of thefemur with respect to the tibia and, particularly at maximum flexion,there is a tendency for the bearing insert to "pop out" or becomedislocated.

The femoral component and sliding bearing of the present invention havecongruent surfaces which allow for rotation and A-P motion within therange of normal A-P motion to prevent excessive anterior and posteriordrawer and rotation and dislocation of the bearing. The upper surface ofthe bearing 16 is designed so that the inferior surfaces of the femoralcomponent always have area contact at all flexion angles. Constant areacontact is achieved by distributing the femoral contact areas on thebearing 16 across the frontal plane such that different areas of thebearing 16 are contacted through different angles of knee flexion. Eachcontact area on the bearing has the same radius of curvature as theportion of the inferior surface of the femoral component 12 in contactwith the bearing.

THE BEARING INSERT

Referring to FIGS. 6-13, the bearing insert 16 is generally oval inshape with a pair of flat ends 80R and 80L. The anterior or front sideis a generally flat arcuate wall 82 which includes a pair of cutouts 60at the lower right and left ends, respectively. The posterior sideincludes a relatively large, almost semicircular recess 84 whichprovides substantial clearance for the posterior cruciate ligaments. Thetop portion of the rear wall on either side of the recess 84 includes ashort generally vertical arcuate wall portion 86 which merges into agenerally arcuate, inwardly tapered lower wall portion 88. The taperedportions 88 merge with a pair of lower chamfers at the bottom of the endwalls 80R and 80L which terminate at their front ends with the cutouts60.

The superior surface of the bearing insert is described by a pluralityof arcuate channels or grooves which are described in detail hereinafterin connection with the arcuate surfaces defined on the inferior contactsurface of the femoral component. In order to add rigidity to the frontwall portion 82, an upstanding flange 96 is included immediatelyanteriorly of the aperture 32. The outer edges of the top of the frontwall 82 are softened by curves 98 as the transition to the top of thebearing insert 16.

CONTACT SURFACES

The contact surfaces between the bearing insert 16 and the femoralcomponent 12 are best understood if considered together. The uppersurface of the bearing 16 includes a plurality of arcuate surfaces forengagement with congruent arcuate surfaces on the inferior side of thefemoral component 12. Referring to FIG. 6, four of the arcuate surfaceshave been labelled L and two of the surfaces have been labelled S. Thefour arcuate surfaces L are all generated using the same radius ofcurvature and similarly the two arcuate surfaces labelled S aregenerated using the same radius, which is smaller than the radius usedto generate the surfaces L. The arcuate surface S shown in section viewin FIG. 12 is defined posteriorly of the arcuate surfaces L, one ofwhich is shown in sectional view in FIG. 11. As can be seen in FIG. 5,the complementary surface of the femoral component includes four arcuatesurfaces L and two arcuate surfaces S. One significant feature of thepresent invention is that the arcuate surfaces L and R lie in differentsagittal planes as shown and make contact during different degrees offlexion of the knee.

In particular, the arcuate surfaces L on the inferior surface of thefemoral component are in contact with the arcuate surfaces L on thebearing 16 between approximately 0° through 8° of flexion of the kneeand the arcuate surfaces S of the femoral component are in contact withthe arcuate surfaces S of the bearing 16 during approximately 8° through140° of flexion of the knee. At the transition point, at approximately8° of flexion, area contact occurs between all of the arcuate surfaces Land S on the femoral component 12 with all of the arcuate surfaces L andS on the bearing component 16.

Although the size of the patient will partially determine the size ofthe prosthesis, the following sizes have been found to be effective intrials. More particularly, referring to FIG. 3, the arcuate surfaces Lare generated by radius R1 about a center point C. Center point C isslightly rearwardly defined relative to the post 18 and the radius R1 isapproximately 1.60". The arcuate surfaces S are generated by a radius R2about a center of rotation D. The radius R2 is approximately 0.75". Thecenter of rotation D of radius R2 lies on a line passing through thecenter of rotation C of R1 so that the surfaces L and R have a tangentpoint T in order to have a smooth transition of tibia-femoral contact atapproximately 8° of flexion. Thus, area contact of the arcuate surfacesL occurs during the first 8° of flexion of the knee and area contact istransferred to the arcuate sections S at approximately 8° and continuesthrough maximum flexion of about 140°.

The position of the femoral component 12 with regard to the bearing 16is controlled by the center of rotation of curvature for the arcuatesurfaces S or L which are in contact. The arcuate curves S are placedfarther back on the bearing and will draw the femoral componentposteriorly thus allowing obligatory rollback. Further rollback ispermitted because the elongated aperture 32 in the bearing allows thebearing to move posteriorly on the tibial platform. As describedpreviously, the constraints 26 and the retaining means 40 preventanterior movement of the bearing 16 beyond the anterior edge of thetibial component. Therefore, when rollback is occurring during flexionof the knee, no compensatory roll forward will occur between the bearing16 and the tibial component 14. As the femoral component passes throughapproximately the 8° range, area contact is transferred between thearcuate surfaces L to the arcuate surfaces S, the transition continuessmoothly because of the common tangent point of the respective arcuatesurfaces. The constraints as previously described with respect to thebearing 16 prevent dislocation of the bearing element when implanted.

In an alternative embodiment, it is possible to obtain the samefunctionality and operation if, for example, the innermost or outermostcomplementary arcuate surfaces L were eliminated. However, additionalarea contact can be obtained to decrease the pressure between thefemoral component and the bearing by providing the additional arcuatesurfaces L adjacent the center aperture 32.

In addition, the arcuate surfaces L and S are designed to obtain themaximum amount of area contact possible within the permissible space. Tothis end, the arcuate surfaces S on the bearing 16 are approximately3/8" wide and approximately 11/8" long. As described previously, theradius R2, the radius for generating the arcuate surface S isapproximately 0.75" and lies in a sagittal plane. The transverse radiuswhich defines the arcuate surface in the medial lateral plane as shownin FIG. 5 is approximately 0.375". Similarly, the arcuate surfaces L areapproximately 1.25" in length generated by the radius R1 in the sagittalplane and the radius in the transverse plane R4 (FIG. 5) which defines aradius of curvature of the arcuate surfaces L in the transverse plane isapproximately 0.125". The center of rotation D is approximately 0.375"posteriorly of the center of rotation C and about 0.9" below the centerof rotation C. The centerlines of the arcuate surfaces L areapproximately 0.3" on either side of the centerline of the arcuatesection S and the respective centerlines of the arcuate sections S areapproximately 2.00" apart.

FIGS. 22-32 describe the preferred embodiment of the present invention,which as described previously, is simpler in design and provides betterperformance. The preferred embodiment differs in several respects butprimarily in the number of arcuate surfaces in contact between thefemoral component 12 and the bearing surface 16. In particular, thisembodiment uses two arcuate surfaces on either side of the midline ofthe femoral component and the bearing surface as to the design whichincludes three arcuate surfaces described previously with respect to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-21.

Referring to FIG. 29, the femoral component includes a pair of condyles20 each of which includes two arcuate surfaces L and S. In particular,the arcuate surfaces L on the inferior surface of the femoral componentare in contact with congruent arcuate surfaces L on the bearing element16 between approximately 0° and 8° of flexion of the knee. The arcuatesurfaces F of the femoral component are in contact with the arcuatesurfaces S of the bearing element 16 during approximately 8° through140° of flexion of the knee. At the transition point, at approximately8° of flexion, area contact occurs between all of the arcuate surfaces Land S of the femoral component 12 with all of the arcuate surfaces L andS on the bearing component 16. At this transition point in flexion,contact shifts between surfaces L to surfaces S in a smooth, naturalmanner because again, as shown in FIG. 3, the arcuate surfaces S and Lare tangent to one another at this instant during flexion of the knee.As described previously, this common tangent point is a significantadvantage and is a feature that is not shown in any prior art devices.FIG. 3 shows in detail the two radii R1 which generates the arcuatesurface L and R2 which generates the arcuate surface S have a commoncenter of rotation where the center of rotation of R2 lies on the radiiR1 at point D so that a line tangent to R1 and R2 can be drawn only atthe point where a line through points C and D intersect the arcuatesurface.

It had been suggested in a prior European Patent No. 0,346,183 to HenriJudet, published Dec. 13, 1989, that multiple radii may be advantageous.However, there was no disclosure like the knee herein showing a clearmisunderstanding of the requirements for natural knee movement. Judethad no common tangent point at any contact portion between the femoralcomponent and the bearing surface to permit a smooth transition from onesurface to the other. The present inventors recognize this importantadvantage which had never previously been recognized.

The position of the femoral component 12 of FIG. 29 with regard to thebearing element 16 of FIG. 22 is controlled by the center of rotation ofcurvature for the arcuate surfaces S or L which are in contact. Thearcuate surfaces S are placed further back on the bearing and will drawthe femoral component posteriorly, thus allowing obligatory rollback.Further rollback is permitted because the elongated aperture 32 in thebearing allows the bearing to move posteriorly on the tibial platform.As described previously, the constraints 26 on the tibial platform andthe retaining means 40 prevent anterior movement beyond the interioredge of the tibial platform. Preferably, the lower surface of thebearing element shown in FIG. 22 includes the cutouts 60 defined by thewalls 62 and 64 to receive the constraints 26 near the anterior surfaceof the tibial platform. Therefore, when rollback is occurring duringflexion of the knee, no compensatory roll forward will occur between thebearing 16 and the tibial component 14 as the femoral component passesthrough approximately the 8° range, area contact is transferred betweenthe arcuate-surfaces L to the arcuate surfaces S and the transitionoccurs smoothly because of the common tangent point of the respectivearcuate surfaces. The constraints as previously described with respectto the bearing 16 prevent dislocation of the bearing element whenimplanted.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the arcuatesurfaces S terminate in a high front wall 120 which provides for asubstantially longer, forwardly extended arcuate surface S whichprovides substantially enhanced posterior stability. This feature willpermit the retention of the cruciate ligament if desired.

The use of two instead of three arcuate surfaces on each condyle portion20 permits the use of a larger radius in the M-L direction. Incontrasting FIG. 5 of the first embodiment with FIG. 29 of the preferredembodiment, it can be seen that the radius R3 which defines the arcuatesurface S and the radius R4 which defines the arcuate surface L arelarger, therefore providing substantially more contact area for aparticular prosthesis. Again, the size of the prosthetic knee of theembodiment shown in FIGS. 22-30 will again vary for each patient.However, the general or approximate dimensions described with respect tothe embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-20 will be similar with respect to theembodiment of FIGS. 22-32 except that the radii defining the arcuatesurfaces in the transverse plane are substantially larger. The largerradius R3 is particularly advantageous when encountering liftoff asdescribed previously. The larger surface area of the larger arcs providesubstantial additional stability.

The knee prosthesis 10 of both embodiments of present invention is theonly design which gives area contact between the bearing 16 and thefemoral component 12 in all degrees of flexion. The highest pressures onthe knee joint are experienced during stair climbing where the knee isflexed to approximately 90 degrees of flexion in which the prior artknees have only line contact or point contact. Since polyethylene (thematerial used to form the bearing) wear appears to be related toexcessive pressures, area contact is more important in stair climbing orrising from a chair than when walking, even though the former may beperformed much less often. The prosthetic knee 10 also permits the useof the same component in the presence or absence of posterior cruciateligaments. Generally speaking, semiconstrained knee prosthesis requirethe presence of posterior cruciate ligaments to prevent posteriorsubluxation of the tibia. On the other hand, constrained prosthesis,which do not allow rollback, require removal of the posterior cruciateligaments because proper tension on the posterior cruciate ligamentswould attempt to create posterior rollback which is prevented by theconstraints. This could lead to dislocation of the components of theconstrained prosthesis or rupture of the posterior cruciate ligaments.

In prior art designs in which the arcuate surfaces of the condyles arecreated by using a common plane generating curve, all of the sagittalsections of the condyles are polycentric. On the contrary, the presentinvention has only one radius of contact in each sagittal plane and,therefore, is not created by a common plane generating curve. Since allpotential points of contact in the sagittal plane have the same radiusof curvature, area contact can be obtained throughout the entire flexionarc of the knee in a manner which cannot be obtained by the prior artknees where the radii along the condyles changes while contacting thesame area of the bearing insert.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, which show the movement of the elements ofboth embodiments of the prosthetic knee 10 of the present inventionimplanted in a patient, it can be seen in FIG. 20 that in the extendedposition of the prosthesis, the bearing insert 16 moves to itsanterior-most position with respect to the tibial component 14. In thisposition, the arcuate surfaces L on the respective tibial component andbearing insert 16 are in engagement. As the knee flexes, rollback of thefemur with respect to the tibia begins to occur to approximately themaximum position as shown in FIG. 21 where the bearing insert 16 hasmoved to its posterior-most position emulating, as close as possible,the normal knee.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention defines and describes aprosthetic knee which more closely simulates the normal knee movementthan any prior art devices. The prosthesis 10 provides normalpolycentric motion for the knee joint and permits normal rollback of thefemur with respect to the tibia during flexion. The rotational andanterior-posterior movement of the bearing insert is unconstrained forthe normal range of motion but is constrained at its limits. The designof the polycentric-contact surfaces between the femoral component 12 andthe bearing insert 16 assure for sufficient area contact throughout theflexion/extension range of the knee to minimize pressure and resultantwear on the bearing insert.

While it has been found that the design of the prosthetic knee 10 of thepresent invention as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 22-32 arepreferable, the inventors recognize that additional improvements couldbe made utilizing the common tangent point contact transition feature ofthe present invention and, therefore, while the foregoing detaileddescription has been given for clearness and understanding, nounnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom as somemodifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.33-37. In this regard, FIGS. 33 and 34 show rear elevational and sidecross-sectional exploded views of a prosthetic knee, generally at 200.The prosthetic knee 200 includes a first fixation means adapted forfixation to one of the bones, which is shown in the form of a femoralcomponent 202. The femoral component 202 is preferably shaped so as tobe disposed upon a resected femur.

The femoral component 202 is shown to include a first bearing surface204 that preferably includes at least two, convex, laterally adjacent,arcuate bearing portions of differing radii. As described here, thefirst bearing surface 204 represents at least a substantial portion ofthe inferior surface of the femoral component 202 when considered in amedial-lateral direction. The arcuate bearing portions are shown in thisarrangement to each include a pair of condylar portions 206 and 208. Thecondylar portions 206 and 208 each include two laterally spaced apartcondyloid elements defined by laterally spaced, arcuate segments ofdifferent radii. As such, each condyloid element within a given condylarportion has a different axis of rotation. Preferably, these condyloidelements are provided as a first inner condyloid element 210, a firstouter condyloid element 212, a second inner condyloid element 214 and asecond outer condyloid element 216. The inner condyloid elements 210 and214 are each constructed to a substantially matching radius of curvatureand the outer condyloid elements 212 and 216 are each constructed to asubstantially matching radius of curvature as well. In the embodimentshown in the accompanying drawings, the radius for the inner condyloidelements is substantially larger than that corresponding to the outercondyloid elements. For example, in one embodiment, the inner condyloidelements 210 and 214 are of radius 1.645 in., while the outer condyloidelements 212 and 216 are of radius 0.800 in. It will be appreciated,however, that any suitable radius selections may be made for these orany other chosen configuration for the condyloid elements making up thecondylar portions 206 and 208. In order to enhance a smooth slidingtransition of area contact between the inner condyloid elements and theouter condyloid elements, the radii of the inner condyloid elements andthe outer condyloid elements preferably intersect. It will beappreciated that any of the arrangements previously described or otherarrangements for the first bearing surface 204 may also be suitable.

The prosthetic knee 200 is also shown to include a second fixation meansadapted for attachment to the other bone, which is shown in the form ofa tibial component 218. The tibial component 218 includes an integraldevice for enhancing a secured relation of the tibial component 218 to aresected tibia. This is provided in a preferred embodiment as a fixationshaft 220 that is operable for being inserted for fixation into a tibialintermedullary canal. One preferred shape for the fixation shaft 220 isan elongated conical shape that is insertable into a correspondinglyshaped tibial intermedullary canal, although other suitable shapes maybe used. The tibial component 218 preferably includes means for engaginga bearing element as will be discussed below. This may be provided as arecess 222 that is formed in a conical shape which allows for insertionand relative rotation of a portion of the bearing element discussedbelow. It will be appreciated, however, that this engagement may also bein a form that allows independent anterior-posterior movement,medial-lateral movement and rotational movement. Alternatively, anyother suitable means for engaging a bearing element may be used. Thetibial component 218 is also shown to include a second bearing surface224 lying in a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe tibial component 218, which may be defined by the axis of the recess222.

The prosthetic knee 200 is also shown to include a bearing element 226disposed between the femoral component 202 and the tibial component 218.The bearing element 226 includes means for engaging the tibial component218. The engagement between the bearing element 226 and the tibialcomponent 218 may in one form be a rotatable inserted engagement.Preferably, this is provided as an engagement post 228 of complementaryshape to the recess 222. As shown in FIG. 33, the engagement post 228may be truncated at its lower end. The bearing element 226 also includesa lower bearing surface 230 that is operable for engaging the secondbearing surface 224 in a sliding rotatable manner. While the means forengaging the tibial component 218 is provided as set forth above, othersuitable means may be used. For example, this engagement may also be ina form that allows limited or unlimited movement in some or alldirections within a horizontal plane as a floating bearing situation. Assuch, the present invention contemplates the possibility of threedegrees of freedom between the bearing element 226 and the tibialcomponent 218, namely, anterior-posterior motion, medial-lateral motionand rotation. Simultaneous motion in any or all of these directions isthus contemplated.

The bearing element 226 also includes an upper bearing surface 232 thatis a complementary concave surface for engaging the various componentsforming the first bearing surface 204 of the femoral component 202. Inthis regard, the upper bearing surface 232 is shown to include a firstinner concave surface 234, a first outer concave surface 236, a secondinner concave surface 238 and a second outer concave surface 240. Thesesurfaces are preferably shaped in a complementary relation to the firstinner condyloid element 210, first outer condyloid element 212, secondinner condyloid element 214 and second outer condyloid element 216,respectively. In particular, the first inner concave surface 234 and thesecond inner concave surface 238 are formed to substantially the sameradius of curvature, while the first outer concave surface 236 and thesecond outer concave surface 240 are formed to substantially the sameradius of curvature. The radii corresponding to these portions will alsopreferably intersect, as before.

The inner condyloid elements 210 and 214 of the femoral component 202are preferably operable for being in area contact with the inner concavesurfaces 234 and 238 of the bearing element 226 from approximately -6°of flexion, through 0° of flexion, or full extension, to approximately71/2° to 8° of flexion. The outer condyloid elements 212 and 216 areoperable for being in area contact with the outer concave surfaces 236and 240 beyond approximately 71/2° of flexion. Sliding rotation of thecondyloid elements against the concave surfaces results in a transfer ofarea contact from the inner surfaces to the outer surfaces atapproximately 71/2° of flexion. This arrangement provides area contactbetween the condyloid elements and the concave surfaces over the entirerange of flexion. Alternatively, the prosthetic knee 200 of the presentinvention may include additional condyloid elements and concave surfacesthat are suitable for sliding rotation engagement. These surfaces may bein area contact over other ranges of flexion, including the situationwhere one or more pairs of complementary surfaces are in area contactover the entire range of flexion. As such, the present invention isintended to contemplate arrangements where various combinations ofcomplementary regions of area contact are present over the entire rangeof flexion.

The presence of area contact between surfaces of the femoral component202 and the bearing element 226 enhances a stabilized condition of theprosthetic knee 200. This occurs by providing additional surface area inthe medial-lateral plane over which load may be generally distributed.This is preferably accomplished through the use of arcuate bearingsurfaces as viewed in the medial-lateral plane. Area contact between thefemoral component 202 and the bearing element 226 also provides enhancedstability by allowing area contact to be maintained between the femoralcomponent 202 and the bearing element 226 on one side of theanterior-posterior centerline in the event of slight liftoff on theopposite side of the centerline. This arrangement is especiallypreferred over designs having flat bearing surfaces in themedial-lateral plane in order to provide area contact upon liftoffrather than point contact. This arrangement is also preferred overdesigns having convex bearing surfaces in the medial-lateral plane, butdo not accomplish area contact, in order to provide area contact uponliftoff rather than line contact

The bearing element 226 further includes a first stabilization memberfor enhancing a stabilized condition of the prosthetic knee 200 by bothcontrolling articulation and inhibiting disarticulation between thefirst bearing surface 204 and the bearing element 226. The firststabilization member is operable to be in proximity with at least aportion of the first bearing surface 204 during a substantial range offlexion. The stabilization member is also operable to provide a stop onthe bearing element 226 against which a portion of the first bearingsurface 204 may rest when the desired limit of articulation at or beyondfull extension is reached. The first stabilization member may beconfigured to be in close proximity to, and/or in area contact with, aportion of the first bearing surface 204 during one or more substantialranges of flexion. As such, the present invention contemplatesarrangements where the first stabilization member is in close proximitythroughout the entire range of flexion, is in area contact throughoutthe entire range of flexion, or is in two or more regions of closeproximity and area contact which may alternate or vary during flexion.

The first stabilization member is provided in a preferred embodiment asa posterior stabilization member 242 disposed adjacent to an anteriorsurface of the bearing element 226. The posterior stabilization member242 is operable to limit posterior movement of the tibial component 218throughout the entire range of flexion, including full extension. Theposterior stabilization member 242 preferably takes the form of arounded protuberance disposed in the central region of the bearingelement 226, between the first and second inner concave surfaces 234 and238 at an anterior location. The posterior stabilization member 242includes lateral edges which may be generally parallel and substantiallyperpendicular to the lower bearing surface 230, for providing laterallimits on its travel. It will be appreciated, however, that othersuitable shapes for the posterior stabilization member 242 may be used.

To provide means for engaging the posterior stabilization member 242throughout a substantial range of flexion, a cam 244 is located on thefirst bearing surface 204. The cam 244 is disposed upon a substantial,but incomplete, portion of the first bearing surface 204 at its centralregion. As such, the first bearing surface 204 is intended to include atleast a portion of the cam 244. The cam 244 is shaped and positioned sothat the posterior stabilization member 242 may be in close proximity orin area contact during a substantial range of flexion. Preferably, thisclose proximity range or area contact is accomplished from approximately-6° of flexion (slight hyperextension) to approximately full flexion.More preferably, the posterior stabilization member 242 is in closeproximity to the cam 244 from approximately -6° of flexion toapproximately 71/2° to 8° of flexion, and is in area contact with thecam 244 from approximately 71/2° of flexion to full flexion.Alternatively, other ranges of close proximity and area contact may beused. As with the condyloid elements and concave surfaces previouslydescribed, an advantage of the area contact between the posteriorstabilization member 242 and the cam 244 is the distribution of loadover an enlarged surface area.

Because the articulation of the condylar portions 206 and 208 may betransferred between the inner and outer condyloid elements andcorresponding concave surfaces during flexion, the cam 244 is preferablyshaped to maintain the same close proximity or area contact with theposterior stabilization member 242 during both articulation regions. Forthis reason, the cam 244 is formed in part with a radius of curvatureapproximately equal to the radius of the first and second outercondyloid elements 212 and 216. The posterior stabilization member 242is therefore able to travel either in area contact with or in closeproximity to the cam 244 as the first and second outer condyloidelements 212 and 216 articulate against the first and second outerconcave surfaces 236 and 240. This region of simultaneous travelpreferably occurs during the same range of flexion as the articulationof the first and second outer condyloid elements 212 and 216, namely,beyond approximately 71/2° of flexion.

In addition, the cam 244 is formed in part with region of curvature atits anterior end corresponding to the radius for the first and secondinner condyloid elements 210 and 214. In this arrangement, the posteriorstabilization member 242 travels either in area contact with or in closeproximity to the cam 244 as the first and second inner condyloidelements 210 and 214 articulate against the first and second innerconcave surfaces 234 and 238. This region of simultaneous travelpreferably occurs during the same range of flexion as the articulationof the first and second inner condyloid elements 210 and 214, namely,between approximately -6° of flexion and approximately 71/2° of flexion.Thus, the cam 244 is shaped to at least two radii of curvature, onecorresponding to articulation of the inner surfaces, and the other toarticulation of the outer surfaces.

The cam 244 is preferably formed to have specifically shaped lateralwalls that are complementary to the lateral edges of the posteriorstabilization member 242. Thus, the insertion of the posteriorstabilization member 242 within the cam 244 is operable to limit lateralmovement between the femoral component 202 and the bearing element 226.This enhances a stabilized condition of the prosthetic knee 200 as awhole.

The cam 244 is also preferably operable to inhibit disarticulation atthe desired limit of full extension or hyperextension. This isaccomplished by allowing the posterior stabilization member 242 tocontact the anterior end of cam 244 in an abutting relation. Thislimiting contact is possible regardless of whether the firststabilization member 242 and the cam 244 are in close proximity or inarea contact during predetermined ranges of flexion. When the posteriorstabilization member 242 contacts the anterior end of the cam 244, thisrepresents either a limit reached at the end of the desired articulationrange, or the engagement of these components after slightdisarticulation, in the situation where the posterior stabilizationmember 242 is maintained in close proximity during flexion.

It will be appreciated that other suitable shapes and ranges ofengagement for the posterior stabilization member 242 and the cam 244may be employed. For example, the posterior stabilization member 242 andthe cam 244 may have a single longitudinal region of protrusion andcorresponding recess or two or more longitudinally sequential regions ofprotrusions and corresponding recesses that enhance stability bydistributing load additionally over a greater surface area in themedial-lateral plane. The posterior stabilization member 242 and the cam244 may also have one or more laterally adjacent regions of condyloidelements and concave surfaces incorporated into their surfaces that alsoenhance stability by additionally distributing load. These surfaces arepreferably shaped so that their engagement follows and complements theengagement of the condyloid elements 210, 212, 214 and 216 and theconcave surfaces 234, 236, 238 and 240 over one or more of the sameranges of flexion. A single region of protrusion and correspondingrecess may complement the engagement of the condyloid elements with theconcave surfaces over a portion, up to the entire range, of flexion.Multiple regions of longitudinally sequential protrusions and recesses,or laterally adjacent condyloid elements and concave surfaces, maycomplement the engagement of the condyloid elements with the concavesurfaces partially or completely over two or more regions of flexion,and may complement each other to cause sequential engagements coveringup to the entire range of flexion.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-37, there are shown three side cross-sectionalviews of the same device shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, but in assembledform, and at three stages of articulation. For ease in understanding,similar components have retained similar reference numerals throughout.FIG. 35 is a side cross-sectional view of the prosthetic knee 200 atapproximately full extension, or 0° flexion. At this stage, the firstinner condyloid element 210 and the second inner condyloid element (notshown) are in area contact with the first inner concave surface 234 andthe second inner concave surface (not shown). In this embodiment, theposterior stabilization member 242 is in proximity to, but is not incontact with, the cam 244.

FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view of the prosthetic knee 200 atapproximately 71/2° flexion. At this stage, the first inner condyloidelement 210 and the second inner condyloid element (not shown) are inarea contact with the first inner concave surface 234 and the secondinner concave surface (not shown). The first outer condyloid element 212and the second outer condyloid element (not shown) are simultaneously inarea contact with the first outer concave surface 236 and the secondouter concave surface (not shown). This simultaneous area contact occursat the transition point between the respective arcuate portions. Theposterior stabilization member 242 begins its contact with the cam 244.

FIG. 37 is a side cross-sectional view of the prosthetic knee 200 atintermediate flexion. At this stage, the first outer condyloid element212 and the second outer condyloid element (not shown) are in areacontact with the first outer concave surface 236 and the second outerconcave surface (not shown). The posterior stabilization member 242 isin area contact with the cam 244.

Another embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed withreference to FIG. 38, which shows a prosthetic knee 200 in partialexploded cross-sectional view. In this version, the femoral component202 and tibial component 218 are substantially the same as previouslydescribed. The bearing element 226, however, is shown to further includean anterior stabilization member 246 disposed adjacent a posteriorsurface of the bearing element 226 which serves to limit anteriormovement of the tibial component 218. Most preferably, the anteriorstabilization member 246 is also a rounded protuberance disposed in thecentral region of the first bearing surface 204, between the first andsecond inner concave surfaces 234 and 238 at a posterior location. Theanterior stabilization member 246 is operable to be in close proximityto at least a portion of the first bearing surface 204 over one or moresubstantial ranges of flexion. In one preferred arrangement, theanterior stabilization member 246 is operable to be in close proximityto the cam 244 over a substantial range of flexion. As with theposterior stabilization member 242, the anterior stabilization member246 may be similarly constructed to have one or more protrusions and/orrecesses that communicate with corresponding recesses and/or protrusionsupon the cam 244. The anterior stabilization member 246 preferably hasspecifically shaped lateral edges, which may be parallel andsubstantially perpendicular to the lower bearing surface 230, to limitlateral movement of the femoral component 202 with respect to the tibialcomponent 218. In such a configuration, the anterior stabilizationmember 246 is also able to enhance lateral stabilization of theprosthetic knee 200 during flexion. It will be appreciated that othersuitable shapes for the anterior stabilization member 246 may beemployed. It will be appreciated that although the anteriorstabilization member 246 is shown in conjunction with a posteriorstabilization member 242, the anterior stabilization member 246 may alsobe present without the posterior stabilization member 242.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.39 and 40. In this arrangement, the components are substantially similarto that previously described, except for an additional set ofcooperating articulation surfaces for further controlling articulationand enhancing stability and area contact of the prosthetic knee 200.This embodiment is one possible arrangement for additional articulationsurfaces on the posterior stabilization member 242 and the cam 244 aspreviously mentioned. The bearing element 226 includes a firstarticulation surface 248, preferably located along the arcuate surfaceof at least a portion of and possibly all of, the posteriorstabilization member 242. The first articulation surface 248 ispreferably a rounded protuberance having the capability of area contactin several planes at once along its length. FIGS. 39 and 40 show thefirst articulation surface 248 to be disposed upon the anterior surfaceand upon a portion of the posterior surface of the posteriorstabilization member 242. This configuration allows the firstarticulation surface to be operable for area contact from approximately-6° of flexion to approximately 71/2° of flexion. Other shapes for thefirst articulation surface 248 may also be employed. Such other shapesmay cause the first articulation surface 248 to be operable for areacontact over a wider range of flexion. It will be appreciated that anyof the additional articulation surfaces set forth herein may be disposedupon the anterior stabilization member 246 alone, or in conjunction withadditional lengths of the same or different articulation surfacesdisposed upon the posterior stabilization member 242.

The prosthetic knee 200 may also include a corresponding recess upon thefemoral component 202 for engaging the first articulation surface 248.This is provided as a cam bearing surface 250 disposed along at least aportion of the length of the cam 244. The cam bearing surface 250 isshaped complementary to the first articulation surface 248 so that thefirst articulation surface 248 may travel by sliding through the cambearing surface 250 during the articulation of the remaining components.Preferably, the cooperation of the first articulation surface 248 withthe cam bearing surface 250 occurs from approximately -6° of flexion toapproximately 71/2° of flexion, as set forth in FIGS. 39 and 40,although it may alternatively occur for one or more different portionsof the flexion range, including throughout the entire range of flexion.It will be appreciated that the presence of these additional componentsmay result in the variance in dimensions of the femoral component 202and the bearing element 226.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, a reverse arrangement may beprovided, wherein a second articulation surface 252 is located upon thefemoral component 202 for engaging a corresponding recess such as astabilization member bearing surface 254 upon the bearing element 226.As before, the shape for the second articulation surface 252 may be arounded shape, although other shapes may be employed. In thisarrangement, the second articulation surface 252 is disposed upon theanterior region of the cam 244, with the corresponding stabilizationmember bearing surface 254 being disposed upon the anterior region and aportion of the posterior region of the posterior stabilization member242. The preferred range of flexion over which these surfaces are inarea contact is from approximately -6° of flexion to approximately 71/2°of flexion, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, although it may alternativelyoccur for only one or more portions of the flexion range, includingthroughout the entire range of flexion. As before, these surfaces mayalso be disposed in different locations of close proximity along theanterior stabilization member 246 alone, or in conjunction withadditional lengths of the same or different cooperating surfacesdisposed upon the posterior stabilization member 242.

In another embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated tohave three degrees of freedom between the bearing element 226 and thetibial component 218, as previously mentioned. FIG. 43 sets forth suchan embodiment, wherein an engagement post 228 of reduced cross-section,compared to the cross-section of the recess 222, is provided upon thebearing element 226. This configuration provides a limited freedom ofmovement to the bearing element 226 with respect to the tibial component218. This movement may be in an anterior-posterior direction, in amedial-lateral direction, in rotation and in any combination of theabove. A limited floating bearing situation is thus provided.Alternatively, a limited floating bearing situation may also be providedby altering the configuration of the aperture 32, the shoulder bolt 42,the retainer 44 and the spacer 46 in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. For example,widening the aperture 32 and increasing the head diameter of theshoulder bolt 42 may allow limited movement beyond theanterior-posterior direction alone.

FIG. 44 shows an extension of the freedom of movement principle. Thebearing element 226 is shown to include a lower bearing surface 230 thatis operable to be substantially flush with the second bearing surface224. In this arrangement, the recess 222 and the engagement post 228 arenot included. This provides a floating bearing situation.

In the method of the present invention, a prosthetic knee configured asdescribed above is provided for controlling articulation of animplantable prosthetic device performing a joint between a pair of humanor animal bones. The method comprises providing a prosthetic kneeincluding a first bearing surface including at least two arcuate bearingportions of differing radii; a second bearing surface; and a bearingelement between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surfaceand having a complementary concave surface on one side for engaging thefirst bearing surface and an opposite surface for engaging the secondbearing surface in rotatable engagement with the second bearing surface.The bearing element further includes means for inhibitingdisarticulation between the bearing element and the first bearingsurface, such as a posterior stabilization member. The method furthercomprises implanting the prosthetic device in a patient; permitting thefirst bearing surface to slide in area contact upon the bearing elementthrough the arcuate bearing portions of differing radii; permitting thebearing element to rotate with respect to the second fixation means; andpermitting the means for inhibiting disarticulation between the bearingelement and the first bearing surface to inhibit disarticulation betweenthe bearing element and the first bearing surface.

In the method of the present invention, the means for inhibitingdisarticulation between the bearing element and the first bearingsurface may comprise a posterior stabilization member, and the step ofpermitting the means for inhibiting disarticulation to inhibitdisarticulation between the bearing element and the first bearingsurface comprises permitting the posterior stabilization member toslidably engage a portion of the first bearing surface. The means forinhibiting disarticulation between the bearing element and the firstbearing surface may also comprise an anterior stabilization member,wherein the method of the present invention comprises permitting theanterior stabilization member to inhibit disarticulation between thebearing element and the first bearing surface.

It will be appreciated that the principles of the present invention maybe applied to any implantable prosthetic device performing a jointbetween a pair of human or animal bones.

While the above detailed description describes the preferred embodimentof the present invention, it should be understood that the presentinvention is susceptible to modification, variation and alterationwithout deviating from the scope and fair meaning of the subjoinedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An implantable prosthetic device forming a kneejoint between a femur and a tibia, comprising:first fixation meansadapted for fixation to the femur; a first bearing surface on said firstfixation means, said first bearing surface including at least two,convex, laterally adjacent, arcuate bearing portions of differing radii;second fixation means adapted for attachment to the tibia; a secondbearing surface on said second fixation means, said second bearingsurface lying in a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axisof said second fixation means; and a bearing element between said firstbearing surface and said second bearing surface and having acomplementary concave surface on one side for engaging the first bearingsurface and an opposite surface for communicating with said secondbearing surface so as to allow at least one of relativeanterior-posterior movement, medial-lateral movement and rotationalmovement, said bearing element further including means for inhibitingdisarticulation between said bearing element and said first bearingsurface.
 2. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said meansfor inhibiting disarticulation comprises a posterior stabilizationmember disposed adjacent an anterior surface of said bearing element,said posterior stabilization member operable for inhibitingdisarticulation between said first bearing surface and said bearingelement.
 3. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said meansfor inhibiting disarticulation is operable for being in proximity with aportion of said first bearing surface during a substantial range offlexion.
 4. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said firstbearing surface includes a cam, and wherein said posterior stabilizationmember is disposed in close proximity to said cam during flexion ofgreater than approximately 71/2°, whereby minor disarticulation betweensaid first bearing surface and said bearing element causes engagement ofsaid posterior stabilization member with said cam.
 5. A prostheticdevice as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first bearing surface includesa cam, and wherein said posterior stabilization member is in areacontact with said cam during a substantial range of flexion.
 6. Aprosthetic device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said posteriorstabilization member is in area contact with said cam during flexion ofgreater than approximately 71/2°.
 7. A prosthetic device as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said means for inhibiting disarticulation comprises ananterior stabilization member disposed adjacent a posterior surface ofsaid bearing element, said anterior stabilization member operable forinhibiting disarticulation between said first bearing surface and saidbearing element.
 8. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid bearing element includes an engagement device, and wherein saidsecond fixation means includes means operable for engagement with saidengagement device.
 9. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid second fixation means includes a recess, and wherein said bearingelement includes a post operable for inserted rotatable engagementwithin said recess.
 10. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 1wherein said second fixation means includes a recess, and wherein saidbearing element includes a post operable for inserted floatingengagement within said recess.
 11. A prosthetic device as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the first bearing surface has a pair of condylarportions, each condylar portion including two laterally spaced apartcondyloid elements defined by laterally spaced, arcuate segments ofdifferent radii.
 12. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 11 whereineach condyloid element within a condylar portion has a different axis ofrotation.
 13. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 11 wherein eachcondylar portion includes an inner condyloid element and an outercondyloid element, each inner condyloid element operable for being inarea contact with a concave surface of said bearing element during asubstantial range of flexion, and each outer condyloid element operablefor being in area contact with a concave surface of said bearing elementduring a substantial range of flexion.
 14. A prosthetic device asclaimed in claim 11 wherein each condylar portion includes an innercondyloid element and an outer condyloid element, each inner condyloidelement operable for being in area contact with a concave surface ofsaid bearing element from approximately -6° of flexion to approximately71/2° of flexion, and each outer condyloid element operable for being inarea contact with a concave surface of said bearing element beyondapproximately 71/2° of flexion.
 15. A prosthetic device as claimed inclaim 13 wherein the area contact between said bearing element and eachinner condyloid element represents a first region of sliding contact andthe area contact between said bearing element and each outer condyloidelement represents a second region of sliding contact, and wherein saidfirst region of sliding contact intersects said second region of slidingcontact at approximately 71/2° of flexion.
 16. A prosthetic device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said means for inhibiting disarticulationincludes a longitudinally protruding surface operable for engaging acorresponding longitudinal recess disposed upon said first bearingsurface.
 17. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 16 wherein thelongitudinal recess is disposed within a cam upon said first bearingsurface.
 18. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 16 wherein thelongitudinally protruding surface is in sliding area contact with saidlongitudinal recess from approximately -6° of flexion to approximately71/2° of flexion.
 19. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe first bearing surface includes a longitudinally protruding surfaceoperable for engaging a corresponding longitudinal recess disposed uponsaid means for inhibiting disarticulation.
 20. A prosthetic device asclaimed in claim 19 wherein the longitudinally protruding articulationsurface is disposed within a cam upon said first bearing surface.
 21. Aprosthetic device as claimed in claim 20 wherein the longitudinallyprotruding articulation surface is in sliding area contact with saidlongitudinal recess from approximately -6° of flexion to approximately71/2° of flexion.
 22. A prosthetic device as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe means for inhibiting disarticulation includes at least one concavesurface operable for sliding area contact with at least one condyloidelement disposed upon said first bearing surface throughout asubstantial range of flexion.
 23. An implantable prosthetic deviceperforming a joint between a pair of human or animal bones, comprising:afemoral component adapted for fixation to a femur; a first bearingsurface on said femoral component, said first bearing surface includinga pair of condylar portions, each condylar portion including an innercondyloid element and an outer condyloid element of differing radii; atibial component adapted for fixation to a tibia; a second bearingsurface on said tibial component, said second bearing surface lying in aplane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said tibialcomponent; and a bearing element between said first bearing surface andsaid second bearing surface and having a complementary concave surfaceon one side for engaging the first bearing surface and an oppositesurface for communicating with said second bearing surface so as toallow at least one of relative anterior-posterior movement,medial-lateral movement and rotational movement, wherein each innercondyloid element is operable for being in sliding area contact with aconcave surface of said bearing element through a substantial range offlexion, and each outer condyloid element is operable for being in areacontact with a concave surface of said bearing element through asubstantial range of flexion, wherein said bearing element furtherincludes at least one of an anterior stabilization member and aposterior stabilization member operable to inhibit disarticulationbetween said bearing element and said first bearing surface, and whereinsaid posterior stabilization member is operable for being in slidingarea contact with a cam upon said first bearing surface through asubstantial range of flexion.
 24. A prosthetic device as claimed inclaim 23 wherein at least one of said posterior stabilization member andsaid anterior stabilization member includes a longitudinally protrudingsurface operable for engaging a corresponding longitudinal recessdisposed upon said first bearing surface.
 25. A prosthetic device asclaims in claim 23 wherein said first bearing surface further includes alongitudinally protruding surface for engaging a correspondinglongitudinal recess disposed upon at least one of said posteriorstabilization member and said anterior stabilization member.